Author name: Omar Rodríguez

In a head-to-head battle on the track between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, the Red Bull driver secured his first victory of the 2025 season, beating both McLaren cars, which finished second and third. Absolute intensity unfolded at the Japanese Grand Prix (GP), where the four-time world champion, Max Verstappen, delivered a flawless race over 53 laps to clinch his first win of the season. He outpaced Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who crossed the line in second and third place, respectively. Verstappen enters the title fight After a dominant start by the two McLaren drivers in the first two races of the 2025 Formula 1 (F1) season, the Dutchman from Red Bull has officially joined the fight for the Drivers’ Championship. With this win, Verstappen now has 61 points, just one behind Lando Norris, and has overtaken Oscar Piastri, who sits at 49 points. Just ONE POINT separates Lando and Max at the top of the championship 🤏 1️⃣ Norris: 62 points 2️⃣ Verstappen: 61 points 3️⃣ Piastri: 49 points#F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/eFj3UszKKC — Formula 1 (@F1) April 6, 2025 This fierce showdown between Verstappen and Norris lit up the Suzuka Circuit, especially during a pivotal pit stop when both drivers exited the pit lane simultaneously. In a dramatic wheel-to-wheel clash, Norris was pushed onto the grass by a strong defensive move from the Red Bull—an incident that ultimately determined the top two positions of the race. The rest of the grid at Suzuka Following the podium finishers, Charles Leclerc came in fourth, with the Mercedes drivers securing fifth and sixth, as George Russell finished ahead of Kimi Antonelli. Lewis Hamilton claimed seventh place, while Isack Hadjar had an impressive race to take eighth. Alex Albon and Ollie Bearman rounded out the Top 10 at Suzuka. Fernando Alonso just missed out on points, finishing 11th. Yuki Tsunoda took 12th, showing better form than Liam Lawson, but still falling short of Red Bull’s expectations. Pierre Gasly ended in 13th, Carlos Sainz came 14th, and Jack Doohan finished 15th. In the final positions of the race, Nico Hülkenberg came 16th, Lawson finished 17th, and Esteban Ocon took 18th. Gabriel Bortoleto and Lance Stroll occupied the last two spots, with Stroll’s Aston Martin delivering the worst performance of the weekend in Japan. Cover photo: X (@F1)

After two pole positions dominated by McLaren, Max Verstappen showcased undeniable quality on the Suzuka track, setting the fastest lap in the circuit’s history and snatching first place from Lando Norris. Absolute intensity defined the Qualifying session that determined the starting grid for the Japanese Grand Prix (GP). Every lap was a fierce battle for pole position, with the spotlight on the showdown between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, where the reigning four-time world champion proved exactly why he holds that title. First pole of the season for Verstappen With an impressive flying lap, Max Verstappen managed to snatch pole position from Norris, clocking in at 1:26.983. Not only was it the fastest lap of Q3, but it also set a new all-time record at Suzuka, beating the McLaren driver by just 0.012 seconds. Taking the lap record at Suzuka 👏 What a lap it was from Max Verstappen in Q3!#F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/COOPSc52vO — Formula 1 (@F1) April 5, 2025 This result marks Red Bull’s first pole of the season, finally overcoming the orange team, whose cars will start from second and third with Norris and Oscar Piastri respectively. Without a doubt, this will be a fierce battle between Red Bull and the two McLarens, as the Austrian team seeks its first victory of the year, while the British team aims to continue its winning streak—with Norris winning in Australia and Piastri triumphing in China. The rest of the grid Charles Leclerc joins Piastri on the second row in fourth. The Mercedes duo of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will start fifth and sixth. Isack Hadjar impressed with P7, followed by Lewis Hamilton in eighth, hoping to climb his way up. Alex Albon and Ollie Bearman complete the Top 10. Continuing with the grid, Pierre Gasly will start 11th, followed by Fernando Alonso, Liam Lawson, and Yuki Tsunoda. These last three drivers moved up one spot due to a penalty for Carlos Sainz, who had originally qualified 12th but was demoted to 15th for impeding Hamilton during Q2. Finally, Nico Hülkenberg, Gabriel Bortoleto, Esteban Ocon, Jack Doohan, and Lance Stroll round out the starting positions for what promises to be an exciting showdown at the Japanese GP. Cover photo: X (@F1)

Lando Norris set the fastest time in the first Free Practice, while Oscar Piastri topped FP2, a session marked by four red flags. Action at the Suzuka Circuit is underway, with all 20 drivers hitting the track to prepare for the Japanese Grand Prix (GP) during Free Practice sessions. McLaren stood out, securing the best times in both opening sessions on Japanese soil. Norris, the Fastest in FP1 In the first Free Practice, McLaren’s Australian GP winner, Lando Norris, shined with a time of 1:28.549 over 24 laps. Behind him, George Russell and Charles Leclerc rounded out the top three fastest in the opening session at Suzuka. Lando Norris sets the fastest time in FP1 👏 The full classification from first practice 👇#F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/RH1ud0qNxP — Formula 1 (@F1) April 4, 2025 A key highlight of FP1 was Yuki Tsunoda’s performance in the RB21, setting the sixth-fastest time, just behind his teammate Max Verstappen. The local driver looked confident as he kicked off his first GP at the helm of Red Bull, showing better results than Liam Lawson. Piastri Dominates a Red Flag-Filled FP2 FP2 was disrupted four times by red flags, leading to a total session duration of approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, with cars spending a significant time in the garages. The first red flag waved following a heavy crash involving Jack Doohan, who lost control at Turn 1 and hit the barrier. His Alpine suffered severe damage, with debris scattered across the track. Fortunately, the Australian driver escaped without serious injuries. Shortly after, Fernando Alonso encountered issues, leaving his Aston Martin stranded in the Turn 8 gravel trap, triggering another red flag. Finally, two separate fire incidents forced the marshals to display the third and fourth red flags, as grass fires disrupted the session at different moments. Despite all these interruptions, Oscar Piastri managed to clock a 1:28.114 in just 13 laps. Norris secured a McLaren 1-2 in FP2, while Isack Hadjar surprised with the third-fastest time. Cover photo: X (@F1)

For the free practice sessions of the Japanese GP, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Jack Doohan from Alpine will step aside in FP1 to make way for two rookie drivers. Everything is set for the Japanese Grand Prix, where teams and drivers are ready for Round 3 of the Formula 1 season. The action will begin on Thursday, April 3, at 8:30 PM (CDMX time) with the first free practice session, but Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will not be on track for the opening session. Leclerc steps aside for a rookie This is due to an FIA regulation requiring teams to field rookie drivers in at least four free practice sessions throughout the season. The rule aims to help young drivers gain experience and exposure in the premier category of motorsport. For this reason, Ferrari has decided to begin fulfilling this requirement in Suzuka, with Dino Beganovic taking over Leclerc’s seat for FP1 this weekend. Beganovic, a 21-year-old Swedish driver, was the 2022 Formula Regional European Championship winner and debuted in Formula 2 in 2025. Jack Doohan will also miss FP1 Another driver who will miss the first practice session will be Jack Doohan. Alpine has also chosen to comply with the rookie mandate, even if it means sidelining one of their regular drivers. Taking Ocon’s place in Suzuka will be local driver Ryo Hirakawa, who joined Alpine as a reserve driver. Hirakawa already has FP1 experience, as he drove for McLaren in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix practice session in 2024. Cover photo: X (@ScuderiaFerrari)

The Japanese Grand Prix will be a true celebration, which is why three teams have decided to change their car designs and hit the track with new liveries inspired by the host country. The excitement for the Japanese Grand Prix is undeniable, as this weekend we will witness one of the most beloved races among Formula 1 fans. With this in mind, three F1 teams—Red Bull, Sauber, and Haas—have made a bold change for this race at Suzuka Circuit, swapping their traditional car designs for ones inspired by Japanese culture. Red Bull’s Tribute to Honda Starting with the team that has been in the spotlight recently due to the driver switch between Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson, the main Red Bull team has left behind its traditional dark blue, along with the yellow and red of its logo, in favor of a striking white design with carbon fiber finishes, black sponsor branding, and the iconic charging bulls in metallic red. This bold yet beautifully executed change is Red Bull’s way of celebrating its partnership with Honda. The RB21’s design is inspired by the RA272, the car that secured the Japanese automaker’s first-ever Formula 1 victory in 1965. Haas Adorns Its Car with Sakura Blossoms Moving on to the American team, Haas has certainly turned heads with its Suzuka-inspired design. Gone is the usual black-and-white color scheme, replaced by a predominantly white car with black and red accents, adorned with cherry blossom patterns. These flowers, known as “Sakura,” are among Japan’s most iconic symbols. With various shades of pink and a few black flowers, the Haas cars of Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman will stand out on the track, paying tribute to the blooming season of this emblematic tree in the East Asian island nation. Sauber Brings the “Barbecue” to Japan Lastly, Stake Kick Sauber is the third team to revamp its livery. Unlike Red Bull and Haas, however, the Swiss team has taken an unconventional approach, ditching its signature green in favor of a design that mimics raw meat. The Sauber cars of Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will feature a deep red base reminiscent of fresh meat cuts, with lighter details that mimic the marbling of premium beef. This unexpected design is a tribute to Wagyu, Japan’s exclusive and highly prized beef. While at first glance, a meat-themed livery might seem unusual for Sauber, it is nonetheless a creative and fitting homage to the culture of this upcoming Grand Prix. Straight from the grill to the grid, did someone order a Wagyu? 🥩🇯🇵 @stakef1team_ks pic.twitter.com/Hhy3zAaNyL — Stake.com (@Stake) April 1, 2025

In an interview, Mario Andretti, Cadillac’s advisor, mentioned that “Checo” Pérez is indeed a likely option to be part of the American team for its Formula 1 debut in 2026. Speculation continues as Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 for the upcoming season has sparked much discussion regarding which drivers will form its lineup for its debut in the pinnacle of motorsport. One of the names that has gained traction is that of Mexican driver Sergio Pérez, who was recently mentioned by former F1 champion and Cadillac advisor, Mario Andretti. Checo is on Cadillac’s radar In an interview with ESPN Racing, Andretti was asked multiple times about the drivers General Motors-backed Cadillac had in mind. The Italian-American remained tight-lipped, only confirming that they are looking for an American driver. However, due to FIA’s licensing requirements for Formula 1, the process has been challenging. But when the conversation shifted to Checo Pérez and whether he was a potential candidate for Cadillac, Andretti clarified that they are considering three drivers. He stated that there are realistically three options, and when specifically asked about the Mexican driver, he acknowledged that Pérez is indeed a possibility—”he could be an option, of course.” Andretti also reiterated what the American team is looking for: a driver with Formula 1 experience, with the primary goal of having at least one of their two drivers be American. Additionally, he emphasized that his role is purely advisory—he will not make the final decision. However, the entire team is working together to select the best drivers, ensuring a strong debut and aiming to become a competitive force in Formula 1 alongside teams like Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari.